Thinking of getting into barbering? Whether you're a student or stylist thinking of changing career, men's grooming has never been a bigger business and there's never been a better time to think about becoming a barber. Michael Kontos, co-founder and Artistic Director of The London School of Barbering, shares 10 great reasons to be a barber.
1. You Can be Your own Boss
There are very few trades that offer as many opportunities to work for yourself or to open your own successful business. In barbering, you have the opportunity to work within a company, rent a chair in a salon, work as a mobile barber and the opportunity to open your own business.
2. You Can Be Creative
Barbering allows you to have a platform to showcase your artistic side on an array of people who lead various lifestyles. You're also able to showcase your artistic work through social media, allowing you to become a trendsetter.
3. Meet New People Everyday
Very few jobs offer the opportunity to meet and interact with such a variety of people. Many barbers make good friends and contacts from their clients; your confidence and popularity will grow.
4. You Can Travel
Barbering is a skill you can take anywhere. Barbers are needed globally and once you have your qualifications you can pretty much go anywhere you want.
5. Each Day Is Different
Each and every day is different. Every client that sits in your chair will ask for a different style and you’ll face different challenges, keeping it enjoyable and exciting.
6. Decent Salary
There is the opportunity to earn a decent wage in barbering, especially once you are established. So not only will you love your job but you can be earning good money from it as well!
7. You Can Establish Yourself
There are a huge variety of hair-based competitions – like the Modern Barber Awards – both locally and nationally giving you the opportunity to become established and well known, in your area and all over the UK.
8. It’s Never Too Late
It’s never too late to train as a barber or develop your barbering skills. With courses on offer that take just two months you can quickly be on your dream career path!
9. You’ll Always Have a Job
The bottom line is men will always need to have their hair cut regardless of the economic situation. The recent rise in male grooming also shows that men are willing to invest money into how they look.
10. You Can Help
The most enjoyable reason to be a barber is to help people to look and feel their best! You have the ability to completely change how someone feels about themselves and give them confidence.
Wondering what the difference is between a men's hairdresser and a barber? Check out our discussion here.